Web roll renewing



July 28, 1953 w. c. WIEKlNG WEB ROLL RENEWING Filed Aug. 31, 1948 INVENTOR.

ATTORNEYS Patented July 28, 1953 WEB ROLL REN EWING William C. Wieking, Woodhaven, N. Y., assignor to R. Hoe & 00., Inc., New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Original application August 19, 1946, Serial No. 691,422, now Patent No. 2,596,189, dated May 13, 1952. Divided and this application August 31, 1948, Serial No. 47,123

3 Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in web roll renewing.

More particularly, the invention is concerned with the preparation of a web roll for splicing to a web running to a printing machine or the like, and to the making of the splice to the roll when thus prepared.

The present application is a division of application, Serial No. 691,422, filed August 19, 1946, now Patent No. 2,596,189, issued May 13, 1952, for Method and Means for Replacing Web Rolls in a Printing Machine and a continuation-in-part of application Serial No. 537,436, filed May 26, 1944, now abandoned, for Method and Means for Replacing Web Rolls in Printing Machines. The present application is directed to the prepara tion of the web roll and to the making of the splice to a web roll prepared according to the invention, while the claims of the parent application are directed more generally to the method and apparatus for making the splice.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is an isometric schematic view illustrating the position of the elements in the mak ing of the splice;

Figure 2 is a development of the surface of the replacement roll showing the preparation thereof; and

Figure 3 is a fragmentary view showing the manner of separation of the leading edge of the Web from the replacement roll.

The invention may be practiced with roll changers of various constructions, such as shown in the parent application above referred to, and such constructions will not be described herein.

The invention contemplates the running of the replacement roll in contact with the running web, preliminary to making the splice, and with the adhesive which is intended to make the splice also in contact with the running web, the actual splice being made by application of pressure at a desired time. The web is prepared in a manner which reduces the tendency to premature separation to a minimum and at the same time interferes as little as possible with the making of the splice when the proper time comes. Figure 1 also illustrates certain quantitative relationships which have been found desirable for best results.

In Figure l the line A indicates the rotatable reel axis having spider arms extending as indicated by the lines B and adapted to carry three rolls or part rolls. The running web Zill is shown as being fed from an expiring roll 292 and the replacement roll 293 is in position for making a splice. The path of the running web 20! is determined by guide roller 294, over which it passes on its way to the printing press and by other parts later referred to. The guide roller 294 will be positioned in a definite and predetermined location with relation to the reel. As will be understood, the replacement roll will have been loaded on to the reel in approximately the position occupied by the web roll core 296, the running roll 292 occupying, at this time, approximately the position occupied by the replacement roll 293 in the figLu'e, and the preparation of the leading edge of the web of the replacement roll and the application of adhesive thereto will take place with the reel in about this position, the reel being later rotated to bring the rolls into the position of Figure 1.

Prior to thus rotating the reel, the roll 293 may be brought up to speed by means of belts such as shown in the Horton Patent No. 2,182,760, or in any other convenient way, so as to bring its periphery up to approximately the speed of the running web. This may be done, either in the position of the figure, or in any other convenient position of the reel. The reel rotation is stopped when the replacement roll has been rotated to a predetermined position where its periphery is opposite the brush 2m, as determined by means of an electric eye mechanism (not shown), a suitable cam and stop arrangement associated with the reel structure, or other means under the control of the press operator.

After the replacement roll has been brought to the desired position, with its edge properly positioned with respect to the frame of the press and the fixed guide roll 204, the joining and cutting mechanism is brought into position with respect thereto. This mechanism is not shown in entirety, since it may be any of the usual types employed in presses of this character. However, it embodies in its structure a brush member 2I9 and a guide roll or other deflector member 2| I. Deflector member 2 may be a knife sheath, if desired. The brush member, when the joining and cutting structure is properly positioned, is close to the surface of the running web and the periphery of the replacement roll, but preferably does not touch the same and, in any event, should not exert undue pressure thereon. The guide roll or deflector member 2 contacts the running web, and deflects the same against the replacement roll. With the mechanism so positioned, the machine is ready for the paste or splice to be made. The web is wrapped about the periphery of the rotating replacement roll through a small arc, indicated by angle C, which will normally extend about four or five inches around the roll periphery. In the preferred method, all sudden deflection of the running web may be avoided, the reel being rotated slowly and the, knife sheath or other deflector, if employed, being brought down slowly so as to produce the desired wrap of the running web on the replacement roll. v V

Selection of the respective positions of the periphery of the replacement r oll 2 9 3;, guide roll 2% and deflector member 2 li determines the wrap of the running web on the replacement roll 203, allowing a running contact between thesurface of the roll and the running web without suflicient pressure to cause the end of the ie placiement roll to adhere to the running web. The precise amount of Wrap which is desirable varies according to specific conditions. Sufficient contact should be provided to prevent sudden deflection and strain on the running web when the brush 216 is operated and also to prevent the flutteringof the web which occurs over a reach or path of travel of such length as exists between the expiring roll 202 and guide roll 2%. However, an excessive angle of wrap will result in longitudinal wrinkling of the web and a tendency to premature separation of the web end from the replacement roll, and should also be avoided.

By thus providing for a predetermined degree of wrap and resultant control of the pressure between the running web and the surface of the replacement roll, the use of belts or other mechanism for rotating the replacement roll may be dispensed with, if desired, there being s'uificient friction between the two surfaces for the purpose. The amount of pressure of the running web upon the surface of the replacement roll is only a fraction of that which may conveniently be exerted by the brush to cause the adhesive portions of the replacement web to adhere to the running web. Under typical conditions, the pressure due to the web wrap may be of the order of one-tenth of that exerted by the brush, allowing considerable latitude in adjustment of the pressure between the running web and replacement roll surface, and in the choice of adhesives.

As mentioned above, when it is desired to make the web join or splice, the pressman operates the joining or cutting mechanism, causing the brush 218 to bear against the running web 2M and press it against the surface of the rotating replacement roll 2%. Such increased pressure causes the adhesive coated area or" the end of the roll to adhere to the web and be drawn into the press. Immediately thereafter, a cutting knife or other means (not shown) is operated, severing the old running web from the expiring roll 282. The joining and cutting mechanism, including the brush ZlG and deflecting member 2| l, are then withdrawn from the position illustrated.

The preparation of the replacement roll is illustrated in Figure 1 and more clearly in Figure 2 of the drawing. The end of the web is cut or torn to a truncated V-shape, the longitudinal or axially extending leading edge 226 being quite short with respect to the length of the roll 203. The angular edges 22! are so cut'or torn as to form an angle, D, of approximately 45 degrees with the leading edge 22%,

Tabs 222, having a gummed or adhesive lower surface, are placed over the edge 228 adjacent its corners or junctions with the angular edges 2 2l, adhering to the end 'of the web and to the body of the roll to hold the Web end'securel'y against the roll. By thus forming the web end, with the angular edges 22! receding from the points of attachment to the next lower course of the roll, possibility of the web end being lifted from the roll body by windage during rotation of the roll is minimized. Further, the short leading edge, attached at its two ends, is securely held against the body of the roll so that air will not catch under it and lift it during the rapid rota tion at the roll.

Attached to the surface of the web end and positioned at an angle to the edge 220, with their inne'r' ends situated inwardly and below the ends of the tabs 222, are reinforcing or tear directing strips 223, which may be formed of gummed paper tape or other suitable material. The outer ends of these strips 223 extend backwardly to the diagonal edges 22 i, leaving exposed roughly triangular areas 228 of the surface of the web end.

The adhesive coating 225 is applied to the surface of the leading end of the web between the tabs 222 and also to the surface of the reinforcing strips 223, leaving the triangular areas 226, extending from below the tabs 222 and between the strips 223 and diagonal edges 22!, free of such coating. The adhesive coating 225 may be extended along the diagonal edges 22! to the ends of the roll, but if a belt speed up mechanism is employed for rotating the roll, or tension straps are used, uncoated areas 227 are provided for contact of such belts with the roll surface, Or to prevent the pressure of tension straps from causing the web of the running roll to adhere to the web end of the replacement roll prematurely.

When the splice is made, as previously described, the brush 2 It is moved against the running web at its point of contact with the replacement roll 293. The increased pressure created thereby causes the areas of the web end that are coated with the adhesive 22;": to adhere firmly to the running web. These areas are thus lifted away from the next lower course of the roll 263 to which the web end is attached by the tabs 222, causing a longitudinal rupture of the web end along the inner sides of the tabs 222. The rein forcing strips, 223 dive-rt these ruptures toward the diagonal edges 22!, through the triangular areas 226. The tabs 222 and severed portions of the web end adhere to the lower course of the roll 283 (see Figure 3) while the main body of the web end is drawn into the press along with the old running web 28!, which is immediately severed from the expiring roll 252.

A latex base adhesive, such as Bos'tik cement No. 3602, is preferred for the preparation of the replacement roll. A number of other adhesives may be utilized, however. For example, a permanently tacky adhesive such as utilized on Scotch tape or Perinacel may be used. A certain length of time should be allowed after applying the adhesive before the splice is to be made. This time is not critical and coincides With the time normally elapsing between replacement roll preparation and themaking of a splice. Where a surface drying adhesive is utilized, this permitsthe formation of a surface film thereon. With othertypes of adhesive'containing a certain amount of excess solvent or volatile vehicle, the lapse of a short interval of time allows the adhesive to build up the required tackiness for effecting the splice. Thedes'irable condition is that known in the trade as finger tackin'ess, which will be produced ina few minutes and will last for hours. Tendency toward premature adhesion will be eliminated where the adhesive surface dries to form a non-adhesive surface film of sufficient strength not to break down under the initial pressure between the running Web and replacement roll but which will break down upon the application of an increased pressure to effect the splice. With such an adhesive, the adhesiveness of the surface under light pressures will either be absent or will be small with relation to the cohesiveness of the adhesive mass itself. Ad-

hesives which do not form a dry surface film may also be utilized. However, the cohesion of the adhesive with relation to its speed of adhesion, under light pressure, should be high. In such case, there may be some tendency for the running web to pick up the adhesive under the light pressure, but the slight relative and rapid movement of the surfaces allows insuificient time for the cohesion of the adhesive to be overcome.

Under a typical operating condition, with a running web tension of one pound per transverse lineal inch of web, and the running web wrapped for four or five inches around the replacement roll to produce an angle of wrap and web defiection of about seven and one-half degrees, a pressure of about .067 lb. per square inch will be created between the running web and the replacement roll. It is, of course, necessary that adhesion should not occur under this deflection pressure, but should occur under the pressure of the brush which is used to effect the splice. Since this latter pressure may readily be .75 lb. per square inch or even higher, it is apparent that a large margin of safety can be provided. Normal web operating tensions may vary somewhat, between usual limits of about one-half pound per transverse lineal inch to about one and onehalf pounds, with corresponding deflection pressures of about .033 lb. per square inch to .1 lb. per square inch. Adhesives can readily be selected which will not adhere under such deflection pressures.

When the running web is utilized to bring the replacement roll up to speed, an angle of wrap will normally be selected so as to permit a certain amount of drag or slip, so that at the time when L in contact with any point of the web and thus 0 reduces the tendency toward premature adhesion. Where the replacement roll is brought up to speed prior to bringing it into contact with the running web, it is preferred to bring it up to a speed slightly less than that of the running web, so that again a condition of slip between the surfaces is created and any tendency toward premature adhesion is reduced. While the embodiments described in connection with the drawing all have the common characteristic that the roll is brought up to speed by driving its periphery, either through belts or through the running web itself, it will be apparent that the roll may be brought up to speed in any other way desired and, in particular, may be brought up to a speed less than that at which it is desired to effect the splice, its acceleration being thereafter completed by its contact with the running web.

Where the peripheral speed of the replacement roll is considerably less than that of the running web, when the two are brought together, the drag of the roll against the web may increase the deflection pressure. However, as pointed out above, the margin of safety is large enough, so

that premature adhesion may still be prevented. Moreover, under such conditions, the slip velocity is also a maximum, which compensates for the higher deflection pressure. Under difficult conditions, the adhesive may be modified slightly in the customary way by adding a small amount of solids, having the effect of reducing the tack to a safe value.

It is to be understood that the invention may be embodied and practiced in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it is, therefore, desired that the described embodiments and methods be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being had to the claims rather than to the description to indicate the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

l. The method of preparing a replacement web roll for a roll change in a web printing press, which includes forming the web end of the replacement roll in the shape of a truncated V, securing said web end to the next lower course of the web roll by circumferentially extending adhesive tabs disposed at the angles between the straight leading edge and the receding angular edges, affixing reinforcing strips to the surface of the web extending from behind said securing tabs to points on said angular edges, and coating the surface of said web end between said securing tabs, and the surfaces of said reinforcing strips, with an adhesive.

2. A replacement web roll comprising a web end having a single and relatively short straight central leading edge and diagonal edges receding angularly therefrom to the sides of the web, circumferential tabs at the ends of said straight central leading edge for holding the web end down against the next lower course of the web roll and extending back relatively far from said straight edge to strengthen said straight edge at the points where it meets said tabs, reinforcing strips extending outwardly and backwardly from said tabs for directing the tear to the said diagonal edges, and adhesive upon said web and between said tabs and adjacent said diagonal edges for attaching said web end to a running web and detaching the same from the next lower course of said replacement roll by tearing along the inner edges of said tabs and the forward edges of said reinforcing strips.

3. A replacement web roll according to claim 2 in which the said straight edge is substantially six inches in length and the said tabs extend backwardly therefrom substantially one and onehalf inches.

WILLIAM C. WIEKING.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,301,124 Goss et a1 Apr. 22, 1919 1,909,443 Wood May 5, 1936 2,110,976 Horton Mar. 15, 1938 2,147,617 McCleery Feb. 14, 1939 2,160,855 Ginsberg et a1. June 6, 1939 2,361,857 McMullen Oct. 31, 1944 2,553,928 McMullen May 22, 1951 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 107,264 Australia May 11, 1939 

